The New York Knicks are in the thick of a brutal stretch, and the schedule hasn't done them any favors. After getting steamrolled by the East-leading Detroit Pistons in a 118-80 blowout, they’ve got to turn around and face another heavyweight in the Boston Celtics - a team that’s been rolling behind Jaylen Brown’s strong season.
Historically, the Celtics have been a tough matchup for the Knicks. But New York flipped the script in last year’s playoffs, finally getting over the hump against Boston when it mattered most.
Now, with both teams jockeying for position near the top of the Eastern Conference, this game carries more than just regular-season weight - it’s a potential postseason preview with seeding implications. The Celtics currently sit just one game ahead of the Knicks as the No. 2 seed.
But the Knicks aren’t heading into this one at full strength.
Karl-Anthony Towns was initially listed as questionable after suffering a right eye laceration against the Denver Nuggets. The injury looked worse than it turned out to be - Towns even joked postgame, saying, “It’s okay, I look like I fought Shakur Stevenson.”
That’s the kind of competitor he is. He wanted to stay on the floor, and he did.
Now, he’s officially been cleared to play against Boston, which is a major boost for the Knicks' frontcourt.
OG Anunoby, however, won’t suit up. He’s dealing with soreness in his right toe and has been ruled out. That’s a tough loss, especially considering how valuable Anunoby has been defensively - the kind of player you want on the floor against a wing-heavy team like the Celtics.
Josh Hart was also a question mark coming in with right ankle soreness, but he’s going to give it a go. Hart’s presence is key - he brings energy, toughness, and versatility that doesn’t always show up in the box score but makes a big difference on the court.
With Towns in the lineup and Hart pushing through, the Knicks will look to bounce back from the Detroit loss and make a statement against a Celtics team that’s been one of the most consistent in the league. This isn’t just about revenge or regular-season pride - it’s about setting a tone for the stretch run and proving they belong in that top-tier conversation in the East.